Presidential Ethics -- Seven Principles

By Ed Perley

Introduction

Past scandals within the White House, and the resulting political battles,
suggest to this writer that the American people should set certain standards
of behavior for their President. They should apply equally, whether he is a
Republican or Democrat, likeble or otherwise. In this spirit, I came up with
seven principles of presidential ethics, which are
listed below. In my opinion, they apply equally to Presidents
Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and the Roosevelts, as well as
to the current occupant of the Oval Office.

Principle I

In all ways, public, professional and private, the President
should adhere to the highest standards of integrity and conduct.

The President of the United States occupies a unique
position in American culture, something like that of a king or
queen. Besides controlling one of the three main branches of the
federal government, the President serves as a spokesman for the
nation as a whole, and a model to be emulated. Because of this,
only people with the highest integrety are fit to be the
President. Misbehavior by a President diminishes both him and
his office.

Principle II

To the greatest extent allowed by national security, and the
sensibilities of his party, a President should not lie or distort
the truth in any public statements.

If a President lies or distorts the truth, the ability of
other branches of the government and the public to make
judgements about public policy is impaired. If this dishonesty
is immediately obvious, or if it is found out later, the
President will lose his credibility. This, in turn, will
impair the ability of the President to perform his duties.

Principle III

The President should not engage in any activity that
is inappropriate for the White House and the Office of
the President.

Activities that reflect negatively on the Office of the
President, either legal or illegal, should be avoided. Such
actions cause the public to lose respect for both the President
and his Office.

Principle IV

The President should avoid close associations with people
of questionable integrity.

If the President habitually spends considerable time with
people of questionable integrity, he demeans both himself and
the Presidency. The public becomes cynical, and many begin to
believe that policy actions by the President are suspect.

Principle V

The President should not engage in illicit and secret
romantic or sexual relationships with any of his subordinates.

Romantic and sexual relationships within the Office of
the President can distort and hamper it's business. At it's
worst, it can be used to coerce female subordinates into doing
things they normally would never do. Even if the subordinate
say's no, she becomes caught in a "conspiracy of silence"
with the perpetrator. Such secret relationships can make it
more difficult for the parties to effectively conduct the nation's
business.

Principle VI

The President and his subordinates should not make
derogatory statements to the public about other agencies or
operatives or branches of government that are functioning as
required by the Constitution, law and legal precedent.

If an office of the governemt is not operating properly,
the President is obligated to notify the appropriate government
agencies and congressional committees concerning the problem.
Publicly attacking an agency of government for doing its job,
weakens it and makes it more difficult to function. This, in
turn impairs the operation of the government as a whole. It
heightens the public's cynicism and distrust of government.

Principle VII

In debates of public policy, the President and his
subordinates should not misrepresent the opinions of others
with whom he disagrees.

Decisions of public policy depend on open debate. Truly
open debate can not occur if the other side has to spend all
of their time arguing that their position is not what the
President and his subordinates say it is. A President who
destroys the credibility of others in this way eventually
destroys his own credibility as well.